It was wet for the three-day festival’s showpiece card and that kept the crowd a shade under the 10,000 officials had expected to attract.

But those who were there were treated to some excellent racing, and dry days either side of Saturday saw the total crowd beat the 25,000 target.

Friday night’s fireworks and a range of free entertainment for families across the weekend complemented the racing nicely.

Kodi Bear’s victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Celebration Mile – Goodwood’s biggest race outside of the Qatar festival – was the highlight on the track.

Adam Waterworth, managing director of the racecourse, said: “This was the fourth year when we have staged racing and entertainment on the Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoon and the festival has really established itself as we hoped it would.

“Saturday’s rain was a disappointment and did hit numbers a little but the racing, despite being on soft ground, stood up well.

“What a horse Kodi Bear is. His trainer Clive Cox reckons he’s the best he’s had and I’m sure many of our race-goers will be backing him if, as planned, he goes to Ascot for the QE2 race on Champions’ Day.

“There were some surprise results in our other big races on Saturday but it was lovely to see Richard Fahey win the £100,000 handicap – he’s a trainer who’s a big supporter of Goodwood – and the the Prestige Stakes and March Stakes were excellent races too.

“We were pleased with how all the entertainment went and was received.

This was the fourth year when we have staged racing and entertainment on the Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoon and the festival has really established itself as we hoped it would.

Goodwood’s Adam Waterworth

“The fireworks on Friday night are something we have put a lot into. It was a real highlight and we were determined to better them this year and the cheer that went up when they finished was fantastic. That’s become a real feature of that meeting and something we will continue.

“Sunday’s crowd was the biggest of the weekend and it was lovely to see so many families coming and enjoying themselves.”

On Friday night, Sussex jockey Jim Crowley was the toast of the weighing room with two wins and a second as the festival got off to a great start.